Makeup Techniques to Create the Illusion of Higher Cheekbones

Enhancing your natural features with makeup is an art that, when mastered, can give the appearance of more sculpted, elevated cheekbones.

The right techniques can make a dramatic difference, creating an elegant structure that enhances the entire face. In this article, we'll explore in depth how you can achieve that coveted lifted look.

Understanding the Importance of Face Shape

Before diving into specific makeup techniques, it’s crucial to understand your unique face shape. Not everyone has naturally high cheekbones, but makeup can be used to create an illusion that flatters any contour.

By recognizing whether your face is round, oval, square, or heart-shaped, you can tailor your approach for the most flattering result.

Identifying Your Face Shape

Here’s a quick guide to determine your face shape:

1. Round Face: Characterized by a similar width and length, with soft edges and no prominent angles.
2. Oval Face: Longer than it is wide, with the jawline slightly narrower than the forehead.
3. Square Face: The width of the forehead, cheeks, and jaw are similar, with a strong jawline.
4. Heart-Shaped Face: Wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin, often with a defined cheekbone area.

Knowing your face shape will help you customize the placement of contour, blush, and highlighter for a more balanced and enhanced look.

The Power of Contouring and Highlighting

One of the most effective methods to elevate your cheekbones is contouring and highlighting. These two makeup skills work together to create contrast and depth, transforming the appearance of your bone structure.

Choosing the Right Contour Shade

The key to natural-looking definition lies in selecting the correct contour shade. Always choose a product that is two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone. Both creams and powders can be effective, but the choice depends on your skin type and the finish you prefer.

• Cream Contour: Ideal for dry or normal skin types, cream contours blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a natural, dewy finish.
• Powder Contour: Best for oily skin or those who prefer a matte look, powder contour products are easier to build and set in place.

Placement Matters

Proper contour placement is crucial. To define your cheekbones, start at the top of your ear and sweep the contour product diagonally downwards along the hollow under the cheekbone.

Remember not to drag the contour too far forward, as this can create a harsh, unnatural line. Blending is your best friend; always use a fluffy brush or a damp beauty sponge to ensure a soft, diffused finish.

The Art of Highlighting

Highlighting complements contouring by bringing light to the high points of your face. For a lifted cheekbone effect, apply a luminous highlighter directly above the area where the contour ends.

This technique catches the light and gives your skin a youthful, radiant glow.

• Choosing the Right Highlighter: The formula you choose depends on your desired finish. Liquid highlighters blend well with cream products and provide a dewy effect. Powder highlighters, on the other hand, offer a more dramatic shimmer that works well with matte makeup looks.
• Application Tips: To keep the look natural, avoid highlighters with chunky glitter. Instead, opt for finely milled formulas that create a seamless glow. Focus the product on the highest points of your cheekbones, blending gently to avoid harsh lines.

Common Highlighting Mistakes

It's easy to go overboard with highlighter. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Applying Too Much Product: A subtle glow is more flattering and versatile. Overloading highlighter can emphasize skin texture and appear unnatural.
• Using the Wrong Shade: Choose a highlighter that complements your skin tone. For fair skin, go for champagne or pearly shades. Medium skin tones look great with golden hues, while deeper skin tones can pull off warm bronze or rose gold highlighters beautifully.

Blush Placement for Lift

Blush isn’t just about adding color to the face; it’s a powerful tool that can shape and lift your features. The placement of blush plays a significant role in enhancing the overall look of your cheekbones.

Using Blush to Enhance Cheekbones

For a lifted effect, apply blush higher up on the cheeks, just above your contour line, and blend it slightly into the hairline.

This method draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of elevated cheekbones. When the blush is placed higher, it subtly pulls the face upwards, achieving a more sculpted appearance.

• Cream Blush vs. Powder Blush: Cream blushes provide a natural, dewy flush that melts into the skin. They are perfect for a fresh, everyday look. Powder blushes, on the other hand, are ideal for those who prefer a matte finish or need longer-lasting color.

Tips for Blending Blush

• Use a fluffy brush for powder blush to diffuse the color evenly and prevent harsh edges.
• For cream blush, use your fingers or a damp beauty sponge to tap and blend the product seamlessly into the skin.

Blush Colors for Different Skin Tones

• Fair Skin: Soft pinks and peaches add a healthy flush.
• Medium Skin: Warm corals and rosy pinks enhance the complexion beautifully.
• Deep Skin: Rich berries and tangerines bring a vibrant pop of color.

Avoid applying blush too close to the apples of your cheeks, especially if your goal is to create a lifted look. Concentrating blush near the temples and blending well creates a more flattering and structured finish.

Strategic Use of Bronzer and Shimmer

Bronzer and shimmer can enhance the lifted look when used thoughtfully. These products add warmth and subtle definition without overpowering your natural features.

Soft Shading with Bronzer

A bronzer can be applied lightly around the perimeter of the face to warm up the complexion and frame the face beautifully. When used sparingly on the cheekbones, bronzer can add a natural hint of warmth, further defining your bone structure.

• Placement Tips: Apply bronzer in the shape of a “3” along the hairline, under the cheekbones, and along the jawline. This creates a cohesive and sun-kissed appearance.

Shimmer for an Ethereal Glow

Subtle shimmer products, like finely pressed illuminating powders, can be applied strategically to give the skin a radiant finish.

A touch of shimmer on the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and even the temples creates a harmonious glow that complements the entire look.

• Less is More: Overusing shimmer can make the face appear oily or greasy, so use a light hand. Focusing on strategic points ensures a balanced and sophisticated effect.

Finishing Touches and Setting

The final step in perfecting your look is ensuring that it stays flawless all day. A combination of setting spray and translucent powder can lock in your makeup for long-lasting wear.

The Role of Setting Spray

Setting spray is a game-changer, especially for those with combination or oily skin. A few mists of a lightweight setting spray can melt all the makeup layers together, giving a more natural and skin-like finish.

• Hydrating Formulas: For dry skin, opt for a hydrating setting spray that keeps your makeup fresh without drying out your complexion.
• Mattifying Formulas: If you have oily skin, choose a mattifying spray to keep excess shine at bay.

Translucent Powder for Definition

A finely milled translucent powder can set your contour and highlight, enhancing the contrast between the two.

Lightly dust the powder under the cheekbones and on the T-zone to keep shine under control. Be careful not to over-powder, as it can make the makeup look cakey or heavy.

Final Thoughts

With the right makeup techniques, you can easily transform your features and create the illusion of higher, more sculpted cheekbones. The key is to blend well, choose shades that complement your skin tone, and focus on balance and harmony.

Practice these methods and experiment with different products to find what works best for your face shape and personal preferences. Remember, makeup is about enhancing your natural beauty and having fun in the process!

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